Thomas Minson History (by son Moroni Minson)

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It is now 1882. To us who have lived in a time when it is illegal to have more than one wife at a time, it is hard to see the wisdom of a man living with a plurality of wives. But looking back through the history of mankind, we see interspersed periods of time when different people lived in this order. It isn't my purpose to condemn or justify the practice but to point out that it has flourished at different times and places, and has been practiced by the acknowledged servants of God. This was the order of the church in those days, and many men lived in that order. So with this thought in mind, Father and Mother decided if they were to be in harmony with the church, they must live the law of plural marriage as prescribed by the church. Father began to court a young lady by the name of Sarah Ann Taylor.

To say these were difficult times for mother would be putting it mildly. This was indeed a great trial of her faith. Naturally, it was hard for her to have to share her husband with another woman, but she put her faith and trust in her Heavenly Father that he would give her the strength to meet the problems confronting her. The days ahead were filled with heartaches and despair. But it wasn't like giving him up altogether. She would still be his first love; and come what may, she would be true to him and do everything in her power to make him happy.

The days that followed were full of surprises, mostly for Mother and Sarah Ann. Mother had vowed to love Sarah as her own sister, and it seemed that Sarah had done the same thing, so from the start they felt this feeling of love and congenial understanding. The following two years were full of activity with a common desire in the hearts of all to make their home a place where the spirit of God would dwell. Mother, with all the power of her being, prayed for strength to devote her life to the common cause. Time passed for Mother and the blessed event of another choice spirit coming to bless their home appeared. On the 7th of December 1883, Samuel Baker Minson was born, this being the ninth child God had blessed them with.

In 1884, the Minsons had enjoyed a wonderful season. The crops were good. There was fuel in abundance to keep them warm. They were all well and had a nice home to live in. Their stock was well provided for. Little Samuel was nine months old, a beautiful little baby, and loved by all, particularly by Sarah Ann, who was now looking forward to the time when she would have her own little baby. Mother was greatly concerned about this impending event for Sarah Ann was not as well as she might be and there was no doctor available. All the responsibility of the event rested on Mother's shoulders, and she prayed for knowledge and wisdom that she would be able to perform her task well. As the time for delivery neared, Mother realized things were not going as normally as they should. She felt keenly her inability to cope with the problem but she must do the best she could as there was no other help available.

On September 18, 1884, a frail little boy was born. Sarah Ann was in a severe state of shock after the delivery. Mother worked desperately with them and did everything in her power to pull them through. The baby was blessed and given the name of Wilford. On September 21, 1884, he passed away his mother followed shortly. Apparently their work here on earth was finished.

This was a terrible blow to Mother for she thought she had failed when she was needed most, and it was a long time before she could become reconciled to the will of God. But time heals all wounds and with her family responsibilities, and the love and good will of her many friends, she was able to accept this experience with an understanding heart. There were at this time seven living children in the Minson family. Joseph was now a young man of fifteen years and a big help to Father and Mother. Eliza was twelve and a wonderful help to Mother, but they all brought their responsibilities and Mother's tasks were numerous.

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As the years passed by, both Father and Mother kept in mind the promise the Elders had made to Father a number of years before, that his life would be spared to go on a mission and take the Gospel to his kin folks of his native land. Every spare moment he had was spent in preparation for a mission, for he had full faith that he would go in spite of the fact that it seemed practically impossible with the many responsibilities which were his. However, his good wife was ever at his side offering encouragement, with never a thought of the hardships they would be called on to pass through. She had faith and put her trust in her Heavenly Father that He would take care of them as He had done so many times in their lives.

We must keep in mind that in these pioneer days, money was hard to come by. Practically all the cash they could get must be saved for taxes (for taxes must be paid in cash), but most of their other dealings were of the exchange system. When they needed something from the store they would take a basket of eggs, or butter, or some of the other things they had raised and exchange them for the things that they needed.

It is interesting to note how destiny shapes the way of life. Here was Father, the only one of his father's house to receive the gospel as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It seems as though he was raised up to become a Savior of his people.

Time in its persistent drive forward, has no passed and it is nearly two years since the death of Sarah Ann and her infant son, Wilford. Mother has conceived and is ready to bring forth her tenth child, Samuel is now past two years. The family is strong and healthy, full of vigor and life. You may be sure there was no little excitement in the Minson family when it was announced that they had another little sister, born February 134, 1886. She was named Catherine Maria after her beautiful little mother and her Aunt Maria Minson.

The family was now well established on the farm, and it was indeed a place of beauty. Many times friends came to visit and enjoy the kind, gracious hospitality of "Brother and Sister Minson," as they were known to their friends. All accomplishments were for the well being of the community, all their efforts were exerted in helping each other harvest their crops, wood cutting for the winter's supply of fuel, house raising for newly-weds and for families who had just arrived in the community. The women had their quilting bees, rag tearing and carpet bees. All these things were done for the common welfare of the people. So they lived and learned to love their neighbors as brothers and sister. Yes, this was a beautiful way of life. What more could a person ask for?

When Catherine was two and a half years old Mother promised her she would soon have a little baby to play with. On April 14, 1888, little David came to bless the Minson household. They rejoiced in this new addition and for the blessings he brought. These years were full of activity for it was indeed a problem to provide for such a large family. It was during these years that Father got the idea of hauling his excess vegetable and fruit crop to Montpelier to sell. Montpelier was putting on considerable growth because of the advent of the railroad there, and there was quite a demand for these products. In this way, they were able to supplement their income.

In 1890, Jesse William was born. He made an equal dozen children and I guess he was really the cream of the crop, so to speak. He was a beautiful baby with dark brown eyes, dark hair, and a wonderful winning smile. Everyone who saw him loved him and he carried his wonderful personality with him through his life. It was during his babyhood that the long expected call came for Father to prepare himself to go on a mission to the British Isles. Even though he spent considerable time in preparation of this event, he found he was ill prepared to meet the call. However, without doubt or hesitation he began preparing to leave. There was no doubt in his mind as to what he should do. He had been called to preach the Gospel and he was sure God would open the way for him, as He had so many times before. So he left for England and was set apart for his field of labor December 7, 1892, at Cheltenham Conference, to labor under the direction of Elder Alfred Soloman. This appointment was made by President Brigham Young, Jr.

To say that these were hectic days would be putting it mildly. Their resources were drained dry. Mother had never had the responsibility of taking the lead in the things she should do, so she was put to a great disadvantage. But she never wasted any time worrying about it. She shouldered her responsibility and took her problems to the Lord for help. The way was opened up and she was able to meet her responsibilities. Through the help of her family and dear friends she was able to maintain her husband in the mission field.
 

These were exciting days for Father. He was delighted with his new son, he was grateful for the health they were enjoying, and for the opportunity that he had of preaching the Gospel to those with who he came in contact. His blessings were almost overwhelming and he rejoiced in his opportunities. While he was not able to bring any of his kinsmen into the church, the testimony he bore to them seemed to have the effect fo stimulating them to a greater concern for the future. Their homes were opened to him and he gained much knowledge and data pertaining to them.

Mother soon regained her health and was back in the performance of the great responsibilities that rested upon her. Joseph was a young man of twenty-four, and he accepted his job as head of the family during his Father's absence. He did everything in his power to help Mother with her many tasks. Eliza was not twenty-one and was a great help to Mother in maintaining the home as well as going out to work to help supplement the income of the family.

I learned through the letters of Mother to Father that all the children were most diligent in their efforts to help. Arthur was eighteen and Frank sixteen. I read where they had taken jobs to help supplement the income of the family. With this help and the produce which Mother took from the farm, together with the ice cream and cakes and other things that were made in the home, they were able to keep Father on his mission and pay off their indebtedness. They had money in the bank when Father returned from his mission.

Father's experiences in the mission field were many and varied. First, there was the renewal of family ties. He had been away from England for more than thirty years. Some of his kin had passed on to their rewards' others had come and were total strangers to him. Some accepted him with delight while others still remembered the conditions under which he went away, and it took them longer to be reconciled to him. Also, it was a new experience for him to settle down to do real missionary work although he had worked I the church most of his life. This was a far greater challenge than he expected. He was now fifty-one and he had his own ideas as to what should be done in preaching the Gospel. But the techniques of proper presentation had to be learned. He started as all missionaries do with a head companion. But it wasn't long before the Mission president found out about Father's ability as a scribe and clerk. There was also a demand for his services in other jobs which the ordinary missionary was unable to fill. Numerous places in his diary tell of his repairing his companion's shoes, also those of some of his relatives. He also repaired a mattress for his sister, and on one occasion, he built her a new one. His life in the mission was full of activity. If he wasn't busy preaching the gospel or doing other jobs around the branch, he was busy seeking out genealogy of his own people or for people at home.

During this time, the folks at home were busy making a living and providing for Father's needs in the mission field. Eliza was working for a John Anderson in his store, and it was no secret that they were very fond of each other and were talking of getting married. Needless to say, this was very disturbing news to Father for he knew very little about Mr. Anderson. The reports which came to him through his family and friends were all good, but he did not belong to the Church, and Father was opposed to his daughter becoming involved with a man who was not L.D.S.. Father sat down and wrote a long letter to his Bishop at home asking for assurance that John Anderson was of sterling character or permission for Father to be released to return home. The Bishop informed Father of the sincerity of Brother Anderson and that he had baptized him into the church in May 1893. With this assurance and the declaration of Eliza that she wanted to be married in the Temple and would wait until John could obtain a recommend, Father set his mind at rest and he was able to again devote his full attention to his work.

The year 1893 passed by and became history, but the demands on the family still continued and life was full of ups and downs. There were times when it seemed they would be unable to meet the demands placed upon them, but the way was opened up and they were able to meet and cope with their many problems. Father was still in the mission field when 1894 burst upon them, and to provide for his needs was the paramount concern of the family. He would soon be returning to them and everything had to be put in readiness for that time.

Father put much thought into his returning home. There would be many changes in his way of life. He had a new son whom he had never seen. How would he accept him? There was also the prospect of a son-in-law in the family. This would be something new and a great experience. Most of his family were maturing into manhood and womanhood. Two years would make a great difference in their stature as well as in their thinking. The work in his field of labor had steadily increased and he found little time to worry about the questions that he could not answer. He would just have to wait and see how things worked out when he got home.

The folks at home were busy planning for the marriage of Eliza and John. They would go to Salt Lake by horse and buggy. Mother would accompany them. This would be a thrilling time for her for she had always looked forward to taking her daughter to the temple to be married. They started their journey July 19, arriving in Salt Lake City July 23, where they enjoyed a pleasant July 24th and were married on the 25th.

Joseph, who had been head of the house since Father had been away, had not shown too much interest in getting married for, as he said, "I have too much to do to think about getting married." However, having his sister get married must have given him the urge and when Mother returned from Salt Lake, he made it known that he and his girlfriend had decided to get married. The announcements went out that Joseph W. Minson and Alice Christina Maud Norton would be married in the Logan Temple, September 26, 1894. The days that followed were full of excitement and very busy ones for the Minsons. Two weddings in the space of two months, and the expectation of Father returning home in another two months, was almost too much. However, they all put their shoulders to the job and worked diligently to accomplish the tasks at hand.

On the appointed date, Joseph, his bride-to-be, and Mother started on their journey to the Logan Temple. They were married September 26, 1894, for time and all eternity. Mother's heart was full of gratitude to her Father in Heaven for this great blessing and for all the others which He had so generously bestowed on her.
 

Father came home in mid-winter, 1894. Snow was deep on the ground and biting cold was in the air. But the weather did not mar the joy that was in all our hearts for his safe return. Father was delighted to find things in such excellent condition. There was plenty of fuel to keep them warm, plenty of food to satisfy their hunger, plenty of hay and grain for the wants of the stock, as well as the chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, which had accumulated during his absence. He was also delighted with the new increase in his family and his new son-in-law and daughter-in-law were pleasing additions to the family. When we all sat down to the table it was a sight to behold. There were fifteen individuals surrounding that spread. What a banquet! We had everything the heart could desire in the way of food. When Father gave thanks to God for his many blessings, our hearts were overcome with emotion and we rejoiced int he goodness of our Father in Heaven; especially for the safe return of our husband and father.

It was quite a task for Father to again resume his station in life; to pick up where he had left off some two years before. However, it wasn't long until he was back in the swing of things and caught up with the things which had been neglected during his absences. When he left for his mission, he was not released from his office as Stake Clerk and numerous ones had taken notes on the proceedings of the activities. When Father came home these notes were given to him to compile into his records. It was a great task and he spent much of his time during the winter bringing these records up to date. His President was delighted with his achievement as were the authorities in Salt Lake.

The next two years were full of activity and preparation. The family was maturing into adulthood. Ellen had been keeping company with Jasper Lindsay for some time and this romance seemed to be blossoming into maturity. The date was set for October 14, 1896. Father and Mother accompanied the prospective bride and groom by team and buggy through the beautiful mountains to Logan where the marriage rites were performed in the Temple where Ellen and Jasper were sealed for time and all eternity.

Soon Arthur would be of an age to go into the mission field. Ever since his birth, it had been his desire, and the desire of his parents, that he would one day take a mission to preach the Gospel. In 1897, Arthur received a letter from Box B in Salt Lake informing him of his call to go to the Eastern States on a mission for the Church. He was very grateful for this opportunity for this was the desire of his heart.

John and Eliza now lived in Brigham City, Utah, where John is established in the general merchandising business. They were doing well and were very happy. Mae, their first born, is now two years old. Joseph and his wife built a home west across the street from our home. They were very happy with their son, Joseph Reginald.

1898 was a very trying year in the Minson home. Samuel has been sick for some time with a disease the doctors are unable to diagnose. Mother did everything in her power to bring relief to him but nothing seemed to help. No doubt Father and Mother realized the end must be near for they called us all into Samuel's bedroom. Here we knelt around the bed and joined with Father in a prayer to God for the deliverance of Samuel from his pain and suffering. He prayed for the will of God to be done. As we arose from the bed, we saw a look of relief come over the face of Samuel. The pain had gone, he was asleep.

We children awoke in the morning, our thoughts turned to the sick room and our brother. We didn't have long to wonder how he had been through the night for at that moment Mother entered the room and told us that little Samuel had taken the long sleep. He was not free from pain and the will of God had been manifest. He died the 6th of July 1898 at the age of fifteen. This was certainly a sorrowful occasion, the parting of this fine boy whom we loved so much. But we learned through the Gospel that death is just as essential in God's plan as is life, and that at some future time we will all pass through this experience. Were it not so, we could not return to our Father who gave us life. The thought that we would some time again meet Samuel gave us comfort and consolation. This was a hard blow to Arthur who was far from home and unable to return, but he was comforted with the knowledge that he had gained in God's plan.

 This place he built was to serve a two-fold purpose. Part of it would be for his shop and the other part would be for a confectionary store for Mother to operate. It was sometime later, however, before Mother was able to open her part, for it was decided that they would build living quarters on the back. Then we could all live there and be right with the business.   

Arthur returned from his mission the first part of 1900. By this time, John Anderson had become well established in business and he offered to provide Arthur with goods to sell to the people in the surrounding communities. Arthur accepted with delight for this was the kind of business he wanted to get in.

1901 was another memorable year for Frank decided to take a wife. His beautiful bride was Venitta Gertrude Perrett. They too journeyed to Logan by Horse-drawn carriage, and there they took their vows according to the church plan and were sealed for time and eternity. Arthur, not to be too badly outdone by Frank, started his quest for a bride, but he had to go far afield to find the girl of his choice. I suppose his business had something to do with that. At last, we find him in Rexburg, Idaho, paying attention to the only girl in the world, or so he thought, Rachel Eckersell. It was a beautiful romance and by January 8, 1902, we find them in the Logan Temple making their vows. These were very happy days for the Minsons for the plans for their children were working out according to the desire of their hearts. Arthur's wife also came from a pioneer family.

In 1903, we were very busy moving into our new home in town. We were leaving the farm not because we had lost our love for it, but because of necessity. We could take care of the business in town with less exertion. Frank and his wife would live on the farm and run it. Our parents were convinced this move would be especially good for us children as our home was right across the street from school. No more wading through snow up to our waists, or facing the blizzards on our way home. Also, we were close to church; something else to be thankful for.

Father became afflicted with rheumatism and suffered a great deal. He was pretty good during the summer months but when the cold weather set in, he had an awful time. I have seen him so bad that the least jar on his bed would make him cry out in pain. The knuckles of his hands would be so swollen that it was impossible for him to close his hands. There were no sedatives in those days and about the only relief he could get was from heat. Mother's health seemed to be fair although she was a frail appearing little woman. We now had visions of John going on a mission. In order to better prepare him for his calling, he must go to Seminary for a couple of years. Mother expressed herself that she was willing to work her fingers to the bone to give him this opportunity. John was sent on his mission October 2, 1907, to the British Isles. It was a wonderful opportunity for him to go where Father had been and to meet some of his relatives. They were kind to him and helped him a great deal in his work.

It was during this time that Mother took very ill with appendicitis and an emergency operation was performed to save her life. There was grave concern for her life because of her age and the frail condition she was in. But God was good to her and it wasn't long before she was back on her job again. However, she became very ill again. The great faith she had and the prayers of her many loved ones, gave her strength she needed to survive another surgery. The doctor said they ought to be through in a half or three-quarters of an hour, but over an hour passed and still the doctor did not come out of the room in which they were operating. What was wrong? Why were they taking so long? These questions and many more passed through our minds, but we had no answer. What could we do? There was something we could do. Father and I retired to a secluded spot and there we knelt down and poured out the desire of our hearts to God for Mother's recovery. We returned to the house and in a short time the doctor came out and with a shake of his head he said he didn't think he would ever get her back together again. The stitches tore out as fast as they were put in. Then everything changed. The stitches held and he was able to successfully complete the job. Mother did live to finish her work on this earth.

John finished his mission and returned home on June 3, 1910. Well this was not the end of their efforts, they had one more desire to fulfill, to send Jesse on a mission. In October, 1912, Jesse left for a mission to England where he did a fine work and returned home November 1914.

On the 18th of September 1913, John died with Typhoid Fever. This was especially hard on Jesse to be so far from home at this time for he had a great love for his brother. But the spirit of understanding came to him and he was comforted with a knowledge that his brother was called to a greater field of labor. Jesse returned home November 1914. By this time, Father and Mother were beginning to show their age. Their backs were bent with toil, their faces were wrinkled with age, but their eyes sparkled with love and thanksgiving for their many blessings.

I shall ever be grateful to my loving parents for the great blessings they brought into my life, for the love and understanding they gave to me, for the help they gave me to find a young lady who would be as kind and understanding of me as they were. I met the girl of my dreams, Ann Elizabeth Long, at the Fielding Academy. I think I loved her from the start. She was such a kind and gracious person. I knew no one else in the world could mean so much to me, so on the 11th of June 1914, in company with my dear Mother, Ann and I were married in the Salt Lake Temple. I feel sure that Mother loved Ann as she would her own daughter, and both of them became very intimate. Ann had lost her mother when she was born and being still a young girl when she came to live at our place, Mother taught her many of the things that became a paramount value to her life.

Jesse had been interested in a number of girls but he could never see any of them as his wife until he met my wife's sister, Lurlene L. Long. After that, it wasn't hard for him to make up his mind. It was truly love at first sight. Jesse and Lurlene were married in the Salt Lake Temple 13 January 1915. Thus the prayers of Father and Mother were answered that all their children would be married in the Temple of God for time and all eternity.

THE TWILIGHT OF A NOBLE SON AND DAUGHTER OF GOD

Through the years that followed, death seemed to be a constant reminder of God and His eternal plan for man. These were the years of the first World War when misery and death filled the earth. Men of every land were praying for peace. Then it was 1918 that peace was declared among men, and for a short time there was great rejoicing in the land for it seemed that the forces of evil had been overcome. But apparently, we had not taken into account the full power of Satan and his legions, for in that very year he began pouring forth a great destruction upon the earth. A disease known as influenza (the Flu) was rampant throughout the land. Our family was not to escape. In November 1918, the lives of Jesse and Lurlene were taken by this dread disease; and then on the 26th of January 1919, the life of Hazel was required. These were indeed days of fasting and prayer to God for deliverance from this terrible enemy of destruction. Certainly our loss was great and it would be along time before the wounds would heal. It was especially hard on Father and Mother who were bowed down with age and the ravages of life.
 

Eliza, now being alone, asked Mother to come and live with her. I packed Mother's personal belongings for her and she went to Salt Lake to live with Eliza and her family. By this time David and Lettie had come to an understanding and were married June 11, 1919. David's first wife died with the Flu; and Lettie's first husband, John, had died of typhoid fever. Therefore, it was wonderful they could unite the two families. Also it solved a problem when they were able to take over the business and relieve Mother of the worry and responsibility of it.
 

The final and concluding blow came when word was received that David had been electrocuted while trying to remove some faulty wires from the house. This grief was also more than Mother could bear. There was Lettie left alone again and with all those children to take care of. (During Lettie and David's marriage, Lettie had borne a son. This made seven children in the family.) Mother's chief concern naturally was for the children but I guess she underestimated the sterling qualities of Lettie. A number of the family members wanted to take some of the children but Lettie was determined to keep the family together, if possible. Much could be said about the courage and faith Lettie had to keep her family together, but that is another story and should be written by one of her children.

Many of Mother's loved ones proceeded her into the spirit world. Six of her children had passed on as well as her husband, two daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and eight grandchildren, a total of eighteen. The plan of life and salvation as she understood it, was a source of great consolation to her, for she was sure she would meet her loved ones on the other side. Now she was looking forward to the time when she should go to meet them. She had lived a good life, she had given of herself that others might live, and many there were who blessed her for acts of kindness. If ever there was a person worthy of the blessings of God, I think she was one of them. On March 1922, Mother's great soul departed silently and swiftly into the great beyond. Yes, the life work of Thomas and Catherine Minson is finished, but their seed lingers on. There is still a great work to be done.

In compiling this history, I do it with the desire in my heart that it will help many to a greater effort to render service and thereby inherit the blessings of our Father in Heaven.--Written by Moroni Minson, Son of Thomas & Catherine Minson.

Original was edited & typed by Sara Minson, daughter of Arthur Minson and Granddaughter of Thomas & Catherine Minson. Original in possession of Ralph and Dixie Minson of Hooper, Utah. Ralph is the son of the author, Moroni Minson. Death dates after 1920 verified with Moroni Minson.

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